Program Overview & Degree Programs
Small Classes. No Tests. Big Ideas.
Your Education. Your Interests. Your Future.
Discover a Different Way to Learn in Hutchins!
College is more than earning a degree. It's about discovering your passions, exploring new ideas, building confidence, and preparing for the future.
In the Hutchins School of Liberal Studies, we believe your college experience should be as unique as you are.
With small, discussion-based classes, no traditional tests, meaningful connections with professors, and opportunities to explore different subjects, Hutchins offers a learning experience that goes beyond the traditional classroom.
Whether you're interested in becoming an elementary school teacher, designing a degree around your interests, or completing your General Education requirements in a supportive learning community, there's a place for you in Hutchins!
A Tradition of Thinking Differently
The Hutchins School of Liberal Studies began as an innovative two-year educational experiment in 1968. It was later renamed in honor of Dr. Robert Maynard Hutchins, an influential educational reformer who believed that a strong democracy depends on well-educated, thoughtful, and engaged citizens.
For more than 50 years, Hutchins has embraced his belief that education should challenge students to think critically, question assumptions, and expand their understanding of the world.
As Dr. Hutchins famously stated:
“The University is a community of scholars that has as its primary purpose to unsettle the minds of students, to widen their horizons, [and] to inflame their intellect.”
That philosophy continues to shape the Hutchins experience today, where students are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, explore different perspectives, and become confident, independent thinkers.
Explore Your Opportunities in Hutchins
Three Degree Programs. General Education Opportunities. One Interdisciplinary Minor.
Your interests and career goals matter. Hutchins offers several ways to create a college experience that works for you.
Interdisciplinary Studies Major
Your Interests. Your Education. Your Future.
Why limit yourself to studying just one subject when you can explore several?
The Interdisciplinary Studies Major allows you to design a personalized Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies that reflects your academic interests and career goals.
Through small seminars, interdisciplinary coursework, and opportunities to study abroad, you'll develop valuable communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while exploring subjects that inspire you.
Whether your interests include business, psychology, education, the arts, or other fields, this program gives you the flexibility to connect your passions and create an educational experience that's uniquely yours.
Explore the Interdisciplinary Studies Major →
Subject Matter Preparation (Pre-Credential) Plan
Your Passion. Their Future. Your Teaching Journey Starts Here.
Dream of becoming an elementary school teacher and making a difference in children's lives?
The Subject Matter Preparation (Pre-Credential) Plan combines a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with specialized coursework designed to prepare future elementary educators.
Through interdisciplinary seminars, teacher preparation courses, and classroom fieldwork experiences, you'll build the knowledge, communication skills, and confidence needed to take the next step toward a teaching career.
Students who successfully complete the approved requirements may qualify for a CSET Multiple Subjects exam waiver and can pursue a Multiple Subject or Education Specialist Teaching Credential Program after graduation.
Explore the Subject Matter Preparation (Pre-Credential) Plan →
Blended Program: BA in Liberal Studies + Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
One Program. Two Achievements. Your Teaching Career Starts Sooner.
Know you want to become an elementary school teacher? Why wait to begin your career?
The Hutchins Blended Program offers an accelerated opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies while completing the requirements for a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.
First-time first-year students can complete the program in as little as four years, while eligible transfer students may complete it in approximately two and a half years.
By combining undergraduate education with professional teacher preparation, this program can help students save time, potentially reduce college expenses, and begin their teaching careers sooner.
Hutchins Lower Division General Education Program
Small Classes. No Tests. Big Connections.
Did you know you can complete your General Education requirements in small, discussion-based classes without traditional tests?
The Hutchins Lower Division General Education Program offers an engaging alternative to traditional college lectures.
Through small seminars, hands-on projects, guest speakers, field trips, and meaningful conversations, you'll explore subjects across science, history, literature, art, and more while earning General Education credit.
Best of all, Hutchins GE is open to ALL Sonoma State University students, regardless of major!
Whether you're majoring in business, psychology, science, education, or still exploring your options, you can become part of the Hutchins learning community.
The program fulfills Sonoma State's lower-division General Education requirements, with the exception of Mathematics.
Explore the Hutchins Lower Division GE Program →
Hutchins Integrative Studies Minor
One Major. More Possibilities.
Why stop exploring when you've found your major?
The Hutchins Integrative Studies Minor gives students in any major the opportunity to expand their knowledge, discover new interests, and connect ideas across different academic subjects.
With just 20 units, this minor helps students strengthen their critical thinking, communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Some courses may also fulfill General Education or other university graduation requirements, helping students make the most of their college experience.
Your major gives you specialized knowledge. Your Hutchins minor helps you see the bigger picture.
Explore the Hutchins Integrative Studies Minor →
Your Future Starts in Hutchins!
Whether you already know where you want your career to take you or are still discovering your interests, Hutchins offers a supportive community where you can explore, learn, and grow.
You'll have opportunities to build meaningful connections, develop valuable skills, and create an educational experience that prepares you for whatever comes next.
Small Classes. No Traditional Tests. Big Opportunities.
Discover What's Possible in Hutchins!